This garlic tomato pasta comes together easily in under 20 minutes and is incredibly easy to make. It really is just tomatoes garlic, basil, lemon some salt and pepper. It really couldn’t be simpler. It also works as a base sauce that can be built upon to make so many more dishes.
Some history
This is the sort of dish that has been made for centuries in one form or another. Variations are believed to have originated in Southern Italy, where both ingredients are abundant. Garlic has been a staple in Italian cooking for centuries, and tomatoes were introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century. The combination of these two ingredients is a classic pairing in Italian cuisine, and tomato and garlic pasta has become a popular dish both in Italy and around the world.
In the United States, tomato and garlic pasta became popular in the 20th century as Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them. Italian-American cuisine often features tomato-based sauces and garlic, and tomato and garlic pasta quickly became a staple of Italian-American cooking.
Today, tomato and garlic pasta remains a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. However, everyone has their own version and puts their own little twists on it. This is one of my base recipes, a super simple starting point for so many more versions.
How to make garlic tomato pasta
1 ) Put a pot of water on to boil. Once boiling add your pasta and cook for a minute or two less than described on the packet. You want it to still have a little bite to it as it will continue to cook in the sauce at the end.
2 ) Throw the tomatoes in the pan with some salt and pepper, put a lid on and let it cook. Leaving the lid on will contain the heat, build some pressure and cause the tomatoes to burst and give you a juicy and sweet sauce.
3 ) While the tomatoes are cooking, roughly chop the garlic. It really doesn’t need to be anything too precise, just get it in there.
4 ) You will start to see the tomatoes break down, if you think it looks a little dry then add some of the pasta water to loosen it up a little
5 ) Once the pasta is done and the tomatoes are saucy. Use some tongs to move the pasta into the pan with the tomatoes bringing a little of the pasta water along. Add a squeeze of the fresh lemon and maybe a little zest of you want it more lemon rich.
6 ) Cook for a minute or so and add more pasta water if needed until you have a sauce that looks like this.
7 ) Adjust the seasoning to your liking and serve.
Nutritional benefits
Tomatoes are the star ingredient in this dish, and they are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels. They also contain potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
However, one of the most significant health benefits of tomatoes is their high content of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red colour and has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. Studies have shown that consuming lycopene-rich foods, such as tomatoes, may help protect against these diseases by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Garlic is another key ingredient in this dish, and it also offers a range of health benefits. Garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and modern research has confirmed many of its traditional uses. Garlic contains compounds such as allicin, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties and may help fight infections. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as stomach and colorectal cancer.
Possible variations
- Add some of my fried bacon bits into the dish.
- Add some fried peppers and paprika to give it more of a Spanish feel.
- Add some garlic-fried courgette.
- Really, you can use this a base for so many dishes. But, if you’re in a rush and just want to get some food on the table then leave it as is.
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!
Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a picture @theseveggiedelights on Instagram!
Tomato garlic pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pan For cooking pasta
- 1 Non stick wok Or any suitable for frying the tomatoes and garlic.
Ingredients
- 500 g Cherry tomatoes
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Whole Lemon
- 1 Bunch Basil
- 250 g Quality spaghetti or linguine
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Boil water and cook pasta for slightly less time than instructed on the packet.
- Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper to a pan, cover with a lid, and cook until the tomatoes burst.
- Chop the garlic and add it to the pan.
- If the sauce looks dry, add some pasta water to loosen it up.
- Move the pasta into the pan with the tomatoes using tongs, and cook for a minute or so. Add more pasta water if necessary.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice, some zest if you want and half the basil
- Season to taste and serve and top with the other half of the basil. (and a sprinkling of my cashew parmesan if you’re missing cheese!)